The Flower Shop

Every girl loves chocolate and flowers, so Jen and I decided to run to the flower shop in the city and get flowers for our visiting teachees (and each other) some daisies for Valentine's Day.  Flowers make everything so cheerful!

Best Two Days Ever!

I woke up today feeling very happy about life: yesterday I got a letter from my sweet roommates in Provo and got to call my best friend from the 7th grade Danie Fairbanks for the last time before she leaves on her mission tomorrow! We talked for over an hour about everything; I love the way she helps me see the world. I'm going to miss her! It was a sad, but happy good bye :)

I woke up very excited for her upcoming experiences and happy that I talked to her and then I got another valentine in the firm of a 37 second video from my roommates! Jen, my current roommate, made my bed and gave me my favorite flavor dum-dum, I went on a run for the first time in months in perfect weather with fun company, and came home to find a chocolate bar from Home Evening group leader McCall.

I'm so grateful for wonderful people who bless my life in so many ways! Thanks for all your love!

P.S. I'm throwing reason to the wind and running the Jerusalem half in two and a half weeks! Wish me luck- I'll need it!

Shphelah Field Trip

The low hills between the coast and the Judaen Hills (where Jerusalem is) is called the Shpailah. We went to some few places and including the valley where David slayed Goliath, some chalk caves with awesome acoustics, and an ancient site with a cool olive press. It was a beautiful day!

Look at those poppies!  I love them! 

Hezekiah's Tunnel

Back in the days of the Bible, Hezekiah was preparing for an attack from an outside city so he built a tunnel to redirect the water source and keep it protected.  The tunnel was discovered about 150 years ago (very rough approximation) and we got to crawl through it!  It was a little bit tight at times, but lots of fun!

Wandering Through the City

Some of the best adventures happen when we just wander around--there is so much to see and do here!

Erika and I enjoying fresh pomegranate juice and pomegranate seeds at the Jewish open air market called the Shuk 

I found my favorite place in the city: the Jewish quarter! 

Where else can I eat mouthwatering delicious pastries with ancient pillars?

Nothing says American Tourists like McDonald's--we felt very at home
(don't worry, we just stopped for the picture, not the food)

Joys of Relief Society

Only in Relief Society do we get to make sugar cookies and decorate them after Church to celebrate Valentine's Day :)  One guy said as he walked passed, "No one ever makes us cookies in Elder's Quorum..." I have missed cooking and enjoyed spending a little bit of time in the kitchen again!

Arab Culture Night!

Tonight we all got dressed up and enjoyed a delicious night of traditional Arab food, a live call to prayer from Shakes from the Al asqua mosque, the most prominent mosque in Jerusalem, and some traditional dancing. Needless to say, we had a lot of fun!

Me and the roomies (and a few other guests....)

All dressed up for dinner